BOLTON is generally acknowledged to be one of the best places to shop in the North-west. But with huge shopping complexes like Dumplington on the horizon, the real Millennium challenge for the town will be to try and retain every ounce of trade.

So it's hardly surprising that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has ordered public inquiries into four out-of-town shopping developments. Along with the Dumplington scheme and others proposed for the Middlebrook area near the Reebok Stadium, this foursome could result in a devastating trade barrage scoring a direct hit on the town centre.

Admittedly, the shopping plans for Burden Park and the former greyhound stadium off Manchester Road are but a stone's throw from the town centre and many would argue that they should be regarded as "within the city walls" - whenever we get that well-deserved new status. But try selling that line of reasoning to the stores in the centre now stuggling desperately to keep afloat.

Independent consultants were quick to see the possible impact of all four schemes on existing trade and recommended a rejection. If Bolton's super shopping scene is to survive and thrive in the next century, it will be down to careful, considered judgements made in the closing years of the present one. Show must go on! IF the curtain finally came down on Farnworth Little Theatre after 50 years of splendid entertainment, it would deal the amateur showbiz scene a shocking and totally undeserved blow.

The group has a reputation for turning out first-rate productions that are the envy of many other similar organisations and has seen some of its members go on to greater things. Top actor Frank Finlay, for instance, would probably be quick to acknowledge the invaluable experience he gained at the amateurs' base in Cross Street, off Market Street.

Raising the £48,000 needed to buy the premises, which the church owners are being force to sell, might seem like a lot. But actually it is a small price to pay to keep such a talented outfit in business. Let's hope that local folk realise the value of this entertainment gem and rally round to ensure its survival.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.